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Lupita Nyong’o and Black Beauty

People magazine has just named Lupita Nyong’o as #1 on the “50 Most Beautiful” list!

I am thrilled that an African woman AND a woman with natural hair, makes this list! Lupita has been outspoken about her journey towards accepting and loving her natural beauty and the challenges she faced growing up in a world that defined beauty as light skin and long straight hair. Lupita is not just amazingly beautiful, she has enchanted us with her grace and courage. I am proud of Lupita for her bravery and honesty in sharing her experiences.

Having a woman of color on People’s 50 Most Beautiful list, let alone being acknowledged in a popular mainstream magazine does not happen often. Since 1990, there have only been two African American women (Halle Berry in 2003, and Beyonce Knowles in 2012) who have made the #1 spot on the list. Magazine covers and other major media outlets play a huge role in influencing how we all think about beauty and what beauty looks like. Traditionally, those same major media outlets have not recognized African American women’s beauty. My hope is that People magazine continues to recognize women of color for their beauty, talents & compassion and use their massive platform to contribute to redefining beauty standards.

Congratulations to Lupita Nyong’o!

Photo by Lanigirod Photos

Source: The above drawing is provided by Lanigirod Photos. He is available for commissioned work and is able to create using almost any medium of art requested from graphic design to visual artwork to photography to videography. He’s amazing and also created by blog’s banner.

I agree! Color should not be the basis of beauty. For Lupita, she has not only shown us her physical beauty and talent, she has also graced us with her down-to-earth personality. I believe that there are a lot of girls out there who are as awesome as her!